Pakistan is on the cusp of becoming a powerhouse in the global mineral economy, declared Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir during his address at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025. Speaking to a gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and international delegates in Islamabad, the Army Chief outlined an ambitious vision to harness the nation’s untapped mineral wealth and position Pakistan as a trusted global partner.
General Munir emphasized that Pakistan’s vast reserves offer immense potential, inviting international expertise and investment to unlock opportunities in the sector. “We welcome global institutions to explore partnerships and bring their knowledge to develop our resources,” he stated, highlighting the need for a skilled workforce to drive this transformation. To that end, he revealed that 27 students from Balochistan are currently training in mineral exploration in Zambia and Argentina, a step toward building a robust cadre of engineers, geologists, and mining professionals.
The COAS underscored the interplay between economic and national security, assuring investors of the Pakistan Army’s commitment to providing a secure environment. “A strong security framework and proactive measures will safeguard the trust of our partners,” he affirmed, signaling the military’s pivotal role in fostering economic growth.
Central to Pakistan’s strategy is the development of both upstream and downstream mineral industries. General Munir stressed the importance of refining and adding value locally to cut costs and expand market reach. “With reserves beneath our feet, skills in our hands, and a transparent policy in place, there’s no excuse for inaction,” he urged, calling for collective effort to propel the nation forward.
The Army Chief also spotlighted Balochistan’s tribal elders for their contributions to mining development, noting their role in advancing regional prosperity. “Through collaboration, we can achieve sustainability and shared growth,” he said, framing the mineral sector as a catalyst for uplifting communities and strengthening Pakistan’s economy.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s reliability, General Munir concluded with a powerful message: “Our national aspiration is to utilize expertise for business and mineral extraction. Trust us with confidence.” As the country takes bold steps toward global leadership in the mineral economy, the forum marked a turning point, blending ambition with actionable plans to reshape Pakistan’s future.
